Authorities prolonging Hurriyat leaders’ detention

March 14, 2019

Srinagar, March 14, 2019 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, the Chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai has denounced the arrest of all party and Hurriyat leaders and activists saying the authorities are deliberately prolonging their illegal detention in blatant violation of right to access to justice.

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai in a statement issued in Srinagar expressed concern over the deteriorating health condition of Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir and Mohammad Abbas Wani and said they are facing extreme suppression in terms of the absence of all the basic facilities guaranteed by the jail manual.

He also expressed concern over the poor health condition of Hurriyat leader, Abdul Ahad Parra, who has been languishing in jail for last one month. “The arbitrary and indiscriminate use of the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) to stifle political dissent in Kashmir shows a blatant disregard for the right to personal liberty,” he said and demanded the release of all illegally detained Hurriyat leaders and activists.

“By banning Jamaat-e-Islami and arresting pro-freedom leaders and activists is aimed at crushing every genuine voice in Kashmir. “The height is that whosoever raises the voice against repression and calls for early Kashmir resolution is being booked under draconian laws,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) in its meeting held with Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam in chair in Srinagar said summoning Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and banning Jamaat-e-Islamia will vitiate the atmosphere in Kashmir. The current situation of the valley was discussed and it was felt that there is the atmosphere of fear prevailing in the valley.

The trade bodies of Kashmir including Kashmir economic Alliance and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) addressing a press conference at Press Club in Srinagar denounced the summoning of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and continued harassment and arrests of several other socio-religious leaders of Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League General secretary Muhammad Rafiq Ganaie in a statement also expressed concern over the fresh wave of crackdown on pro-freedom leaders, activists, youth and nocturnal raids by the forces across Kashmir in wake of upcoming so-called elections.